Brembo, the world-renowned specialist in brake systems, has acquired a 100% stake in Ohlins Racing, one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance suspension systems for motorcycles and cars.
Brembo has agreed to pay $405 million (~€370 million) to acquire Ohlins from Tenneco, a portfolio company of funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management. This represents the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history, and while it’s still subject to regulatory approvals, it’s expected to close in early 2025.
Read: The Bugatti Bolide Has The Biggest Carbon-Carbon Brakes Ever Created
Öhlins was founded in 1976 and is based in Sweden. It produces suspension components at facilities in Sweden and Thailand, while also operating research and development centers in the same countries, as well as distribution and testing branches in the US, Germany, Thailand, and Sweden. The company is perhaps best known for providing suspension components to dozens of class-leading, high-performance motorcycles over the years, but also manufactures parts for several carmakers.
Öhlins has a long and rich history in motorsport too, in particular in MotoGP and World Superbike. The current Ferrari Formula 1 car uses dampers from Öhlins, too.
“Öhlins is a strong fit for Brembo,” Brembo executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said. “It is a world-renowned brand, with a solid business and an unrivaled reputation, both on the racetrack and the road. We welcome Öhlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle’s corner.”
Brembo said that the acquisition forms part of its continued investment in the motorcycle and motor racing areas, noting that its two-wheeled business is currently worth around 13% of total revenues.
“We’re confident that Brembo is the right partner to take Öhlins Racing to the next level,” added Tenneco chief executive Jim Voss. “This sale not only positions Öhlins and its employees for continued success under Brembo’s leadership in the market, but it also supports Tenneco’s strategy of streamlining our business portfolio and strengthening our balance sheet as we continue to execute on our long-term vision.”
